Sound-making device for cheering

ABSTRACT

The invention is a noise-making device for sports venues, cheering venues and the like that provides a body and a head attached to the body. The device can be mechanically or electronically activated for both light and sound. The head of the device can take many different forms but is universally applied to the body.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/071,614 dated Oct. 15, 2020.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a noise-making device for sports venues, cheeringvenues and the like that provides a body and a head attached to thebody. The device can be mechanically or electronically activated forboth light and sound. The head of the device can take many differentforms but is universally applied to the body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Celebration of sport and various like activities is ancient. From theAncient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, crowds have gathered to celebrateorganized competition and have done so loudly and enthusiastically.

Devices of various types and kinds have existed throughout time toamplify the cheering, positively or negatively, of fans in sportingarenas, political venues and the like. These devices have often beenhome-made and one-offs not suitable for mass production.

In modern times, sports of all kinds draw many thousands of fans tooutdoor, open air and enclosed venues. It is common for sports likeAmerican football, basketball, international soccer, cricket and othersto draw fans in the dozens of thousands and sometimes in one hundredthousand in one event or more. In such cases, fans' ability to influencethe outcome of games can be pronounced and welcomed. Fans themselvesmake noise naturally but can also enhance their noise-making ability byuse of a device of one kind or another, many of which are known.

These devices, however, fail to provide interchangeability, for example,the ability to use one device for a child's team, a college team and apro team. They also fail to provide a diverse ability by which noise canbe made, whether mechanically rendered, electronically rendered or somecombination thereof.

What is therefore needed and provided herein is a noise-making devicethat provides both the interchangeability and diversity of use currentlylacking in modern, known noise-making devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention provides, A noise-making device for use atsporting events, comprises a head or head portion. The head can be inthe form of a particular team mascot, player, brand and the like. Thenoise-making device also contains a body upon which the head sits andfrom which may be releasable from the head. The body contains a hollowvolume that can be filled with a number of items. For example, noisemaking items are positioned within the volume of the body. In use, thenoise making items are activated and produce sound when a user engagesthe noise-making device. Also, noise making items may be positionedwithin the volume of the body and/or the head portion.

For instance, the noise-making device sounds when it is activated by auser shaking it. Such shaking can be either vigorous or mild, dependingupon how the noise-making device is configured to respond. Thisembodiment describes a noise-making device using mechanical noise makingitems specifically configured (or naturally configured) to make noisewhen shaken within the body of the noise-making device.

In another embodiment herein, the noise-making device compriseselectronic noisemaking means. Such electronic noise-making means may bein addition to mechanical noise making items as recounted hereinabove,or electronic noise-making means may be the only provided noise makerfor the noise-making device. Such design is entirely within the designchoice of a manufacturer.

In practice, the noise-making device is activated when the electronicnoise-making means are engaged, usually by a switch of one sort oranother, being well known in the art. Alternatively, sound from theelectronic noise-making means of the noise-making device is activated bya user shaking the device vigorously or mildly.

As noted hereinabove, the head of the noise-making device is detachablefrom the body thereof. Also, the head is interchangeable. There is aconnector between the head and the body of the noise-making device thatallows universal fit between multiple kinds of heads to the body.

In a preferred embodiment herein, light elements are integral to thebody of the noise-making device. The light elements may also be residentwithin the head of the noise-making device. When the head is connectedto the body, the lights can be activated. In such instance, theconnection of the head to the body completes a circuit.

The completion of the circuit activates one or more sound features ofthe noise-making device. Also, the completion of the circuit activatesone or more light features of the noise-making device. The noise-makingdevice further comprises one or more replaceable batteries for poweringthe noise-making device. In addition, or alternatively, the noise-makingdevice comprises one or more self-charging means for powering the noisemaking device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which willbecome more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in thefollowing detailed description in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a planar side view of the noise-making device herein;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the noise-making device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3A is a front view of one embodiment of a head herein;

FIG. 3B is a front view of another embodiment of a head herein;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred adapter embodiment herein;

FIG. 5 is a perspective partial view of the preferred adapter inconnection with the noise-making device herein; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a circuit used in the invention herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By the term “noise-making device”, it is meant herein an audible device,a light making device or some combination of the two types of devicesinto one sound and light making device.

By the term “cheer making device”, it is meant herein the noise-makingdevice as described herein.

By the term “sports venues”, it is meant herein sports venues, cheeringvenues, outdoor venues, pep rallies, political rallies, indoor sportingevents, basketball games, cricket matches, football games, wrestlingmatches, mixed-martial art matches, martial art tournaments and thelike.

The invention herein provides a noise-making device for use at sportingevents, celebrations, cheering events and the like comprises a head orhead portion. The head can be in the form of a particular team mascot,player, brand and the like. The noise-making device also contains a bodyupon which the head sits and from which may be releasable from the head.The body contains a hollow volume that can be filled with a number ofitems. For example, noise making items are positioned within the volumeof the body. In use, the noise making items are activated and producesound when a user engages the noise-making device.

For instance, the noise-making device sounds when it is activated by auser shaking it. Such shaking can be either vigorous or mild, dependingupon how the noise-making device is configured to respond. Thisembodiment describes a noise-making device using mechanical noise makingitems specifically configured (or naturally configured) to make noisewhen shaken within the body of the noise-making device.

In another embodiment herein, the noise-making device compriseselectronic noisemaking means. Such electronic noise-making means may bein addition to mechanical noise making items as recounted hereinabove,or electronic noise-making means may be the only provided noise makerfor the noise-making device. Such design is entirely within the designchoice of a manufacturer.

In practice, the noise-making device is activated when the electronicnoise-making means are engaged, usually by a switch of one sort oranother, being well known in the art. Alternatively, sound from theelectronic noise-making means of the noise-making device is activated bya user shaking the device vigorously or mildly.

As noted hereinabove, the head of the noise-making device is detachablefrom the body thereof. Also, the head is interchangeable. There is aconnector between the head and the body of the noise-making device thatallows universal fit between multiple kinds of heads to the body.

Sound or light produced from the sound-making device herein may beproduced from either the head, the body or both of the sound-makingdevice. The head or body may independently produce sound and/or light ormay produce same together in coordination. Such coordination of bothlight and sound can occur manually by manipulation of a user or by oneor more algorithms programmed into the sound-making device. In suchinstance, a user can select a particular pre-programmed sound and/orlight display by which to use the sound-making device.

A central processing unit (CPU) within cheering device 5 (FIG. 1 ) isprogrammable before its use and programmable during its use. Anapplication residing on a user's cellphone, pad device, laptop orpersonal computer is useful for programming cheering device 5. Suchprogramming includes but is not limited to programming the lights,programming the sound, programming a digital display module connected(i.e., imbedded into) to cheering device 5, programming vibration ofcheering device 5.

The CPU can also be programmed by a third party (i.e., stadium, venue,sports team, and/or any organization with permissions to access, byprogramming/communication) cheering device 5. The programming is mostaccessible by a user through a computer application (i.e., an “app”)that enables on demand, customizable functioning by cheering device 5.Such programming can also occur in certain appropriate venues, e.g., aconcert, in which use of cheering device 5 is encouraged and designed tobe in sync with, for example, a performance at a venue.

In a preferred embodiment herein, light elements are integral to thebody of the noise-making device. The light elements may also be residentwithin the head of the noise-making device. When the head is connectedto the body, the lights can be activated. In such instance, theconnection of the head to the body completes a circuit.

The completion of the circuit activates one or more sound features ofthe noise-making device. Also, the completion of the circuit activatesone or more light features of the noise-making device. The noise-makingdevice further comprises one or more replaceable batteries for poweringthe noise-making device. In addition, or alternatively, the noise-makingdevice comprises one or more self-charging means for powering the noisemaking device.

In some instances, a venue may seek to still or limit the sound of anoise-making device. For such venues, a noise-making device, especiallyone that is actuated electronically and that has a both light and soundfeatures, can also be equipped with a mute function for both sound andlight. For properly equipped venues, some sound-making devices may mutesaid devices at a properly equipped server instead of asking fans tomute the devices locally.

In another embodiment herein, a venue's noise-making devices may all beconnected wirelessly (e.g., by BLUETOOTH®) to a server within the venue.By such connection, a venue can coordinate the noise of eachnoise-making device so connected. Such coordination can include soundcoordination and light coordination. It is conceivable herein that highlevel coordination of both light and sound can be achieved throughprogramming (i.e., one or more algorithms) housed upon a venue's serverwhereby such program actuates the sound-making devices herein.

The noise making mechanism includes an adapter that provides additionalfunctionality. The adapter provides 1) A complex internal circuit(programmable chip) for lighting. There are two types of circuits 1) iscontinuous and the other is intermittent for blinking. Both have thefunction in the adapter to be turned on and off. In addition, thecircuit is powered by a small lithium battery and has a USB connectionfor charging.

Ideally, the adapter provides multiple kinds of functions. For example,the adapter will play music that corresponds with the venue/eventintended. It also attaches to both interchangeable heads andinterchangeable handles. For additional functionality, a hook has beenadded to the top of the head of the prototype. This can be used to freeup a user's hands and have the device remain accessible and visiblewhile hanging from a user's neck or waist.

Cheering device 5 may also be equipped with a vibration deviceactivatable either by programming (i.e., by a user, venue ororganization) or directly by a user via an actuator on the device, i.e.,a button. These vibrators are of the like and kind well known by personsof skill in the art and commonly available.

Cheering device 5 may also be equipped with a digital displayactivatable either by programming (i.e., by a user, venue ororganization) or directly by a user via an actuator on the device, i.e.,a button. Digital display devices of the kind contemplated herein are ofthe like and kind well known by persons of skill in the art and commonlyavailable.

FIG. 1 is a planar side view of noise-making device 10 or cheeringdevice 10 herein. The terms noise-making device 10 and cheering device10 are interchangeable. As shown are head 15 and body 20 of cheeringdevice 10. Looping string 25 is connected to the bottom of body 20 ofcheering device 10.

Head 15 shown in FIG. 1 shows an American football helmet. In practice,heads 15 configured for placement onto body 15 are useful therefor. Itis noted that body 15 can be cylindrical or rectangular. In eitherexample, the dimensions of body 15 may vary according to designconstruction. As shown, body 15 appears to be slender. It may also bemade in larger or smaller sizes depending upon design choice and thedesires of a particular customer base.

FIG. 2 is a front view of cheering device 10 of FIG. 1 . Head 15 may beaffixed to body in a number of ways. First, a male to femaleinterlocking mechanism (not shown) well known by practitioners in theart, exists in which head 15 and body 20 can be connected. Second, athread mechanism 30 for screwing head 15 onto body 20 is shown by whichoperation, head 15 is screwed onto body 20.

FIG. 3A is a front view of an alternative embodiment of another headtype herein. Shown is head 15 that looks like a basketball. This isexemplary and provides further affirmation that differently shaped heads15 can be applied to body 20 thereby completing cheering device 10.Similarly, FIG. 3B is a front view of another embodiment of a headherein, particularly the head of BRUTUS®, the mascot of THE OHIO STATEUNIVERSITY®.

The head 15 variations shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B show how varied heads 15can be. This also shows applicability of cheering device 10 for nearlyevery kind of sporting event, fundraiser, and the like. Of course, heads15 can be created for all levels of sport and play and may even bepersonalized to individual players. Head 15 and body 20 variations ofcheering device 10 are virtually limitless in their style andconfiguration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred adapter 35 herein. Noisemaking mechanism 10 includes adapter 35 that provides additionalfunctionality. Preferably, adapter comprises 1) a complex internalcircuit (programmable chip) for lighting, sound, communication, and thelike. There are two types of preferred circuits herein: 1) continuousand 2) intermittent. Both circuit types herein comprise on/offfunctionality.

In practice, the circuit herein is powered by one or more small lithiumbatteries (not shown) and has a USB connection for charging. Also inpractice, adapter 35 can play music that corresponds with thevenue/event intended. Adapter 35 can attach to both interchangeableheads and interchangeable handles. For better functionality a hook hasbeen added to the top of the head of the prototype. This can be used tofree up the consumers hands and have the prototype still accessible andvisible while hanging from the neck. FIG. 6 provides a schematic view ofan exemplary circuit contemplated for use herein.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective partial view of the preferred adapter 35in connection with head 15 and body 20 which is partially show in FIG. 5. In practice, adapter is attachable to both sections, i.e., head 15 andbody 20, though a threaded mechanism that allows adapter 35 to screwonto both head 15 and body 20 at each end thereof. This kind ofattachment is well known to persons of skill in the art and forms noactual part of the invention herein. What is also well known by personsof skill in the art are other common means of attachment between twoparts, e.g., head 15 and body 20.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the inventionis defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur tothose skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be withinthe scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do notdiffer from the literal language of the claims, or if they includeequivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from theliteral language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A programmable noise-making device for use atsporting events, comprising: a. A head, said head being choose-able by auser to represent a said user's team aspect; b. A body connectable andreleasable from said head, said body containing a volume, said volumebeing Tillable; c. Noise making items positioned within said volume ofsaid body, said noise making items being activated and producing soundwhen said user activates said noise-making device; and d. At least onecentral processing unit (CPU) programmable by a user or a venue.
 2. Thenoise-making device of claim 1 wherein said noise-making device isactivated by a user shaking said noise-making device.
 3. Thenoise-making device of claim 1 wherein further comprising electronicnoisemaking means.
 4. The noise-making device of claim 3 wherein soundfrom said noise-making device is activated by activation of saidelectronic noisemaking means.
 5. The noise-making device of claim 1wherein said head is detachable from said body of said noise-makingdevice.
 6. The noise-making device of claim 5 wherein said head isinterchangeable.
 7. The noise-making device of claim 5 wherein multiplekinds of said heads may be attached to said body of said noise-makingdevice.
 8. The noise-making device of claim 1 wherein light elements areintegral to said body of said noise-making device.
 9. The noise-makingdevice of claim 1 wherein light elements are integral to said body ofsaid noise-making device.
 10. The noise-making device of claim 1 whereinattachment of said head to said body of said noise-making devicecompletes a circuit.
 11. The noise-making device of claim 10 whereinsaid completion of said circuit activates one or more sound features ofsaid noise-making device.
 12. The noise-making device of claim 10wherein said completion of said circuit activates one or more lightfeatures of said noise-making device.
 13. The noise-making device ofclaim 1 further comprising one or more replaceable batteries forpowering said noise-making device.
 14. The noise-making device of claim1 further comprising one or more self-charging means for powering saidnoise making device.
 15. The noise-making device of claim 1 wherein saidCPU is programmable for light, sound, and vibration.
 16. Thenoise-making device of claim 15 wherein said device further comprises adigital display.
 17. The noise-making device of claim 16 wherein saiddevice is programmable by a user or a venue.